Recent content by ewflyer

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    Launch-to-orbit vs. planetary mass question

    Thanks. My interpretation of your data is that as you increase anywhere beyond about twice the mass of our Earth, assuming the same technology we're currently using, the launch to orbit mass-ratio reaches a point that would probably be cost prohibitive to any single planetary society (like...
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    Understanding the Angle of Attack Indicator: How is it Measured?

    The KC-135 has an AOA indicator. Reads 0 to 1 (basically) and is normalized to flaps-up and landing flap settings. On final while configuring to land you could watch the gauge pointer jump to a lower AOA reading as the flaps extended beyond "30"
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    Is the Space Hose a Viable Solution for the N-Prize Challenge?

    Is the "space hose" thread over?
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    Caspian Sea Monster vs Conventional Airlift

    Bud Holland. I drive past that memorial marker on Fairchild AFB all the time.
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    Launch-to-orbit vs. planetary mass question

    Hello all, My name's Greg. I'm an airline pilot (my day job) and a fiction writer (my hobby). Right now I'm working on a story that borders on science fiction (a first for me). I've got a question: What is the upper limit on planet size (mass) that would effectively rule out putting...